Why Is My HDMI Splitter Not Working? (Best Solutions!)

If you are asking why is my HDMI splitter not working and experiencing constant issues, this guide can help you identify the problems and solve them.

Getting an HDMI splitter can do a lot of wonders for your entertainment setup.

One possible reason for your HDMI splitter setup not working is using incompatible cables. 4K-enabled TVs may require different HDMI cables compared to HD TVs, and HDCP cables are essential for consoles and streaming services.

The quickest way to make your splitter work is to use compatible cables.

Why Is My HDMI Splitter Not Working? – Top Reasons

Your HDMI splitter can run into a few issues. There are some common causes of why this happens, and we can help you identify each of those allowing you to troubleshoot and fix it.

Here are some of the reasons why your setup will stop working:

1. Cables Not Compatible

The most common cause of your HDMI splitter not working is using incompatible cables. If you think HDMI cables are the same, there are actually a lot of different types.

Some run on different versions, while others come with content protection. Not using the right one will lead to issues with your splitter setup.

2. Signal Loss

Another reason your HDMI splitter will not work is a loss of signal.

Connecting different devices using long cables is not a great idea, and that rule follows with HDMI cables. The longer your cables are, the weaker the signal gets.

3. Not Enough Power

HDMI splitters need enough power to work and amplify the signal.

If it does not receive sufficient power, it will not be able to boost the signal and cause your setup to stop working.

You will experience a blurry or fading picture, which can get annoying.

How to Fix HDMI Splitter Not Working – Top Solutions

Fixing HDMI splitter issues can look complicated, but they are pretty simple to troubleshoot.

It’s quick, and anyone can do it. We have provided you with proven solutions, and all you need to do is follow them.

Solution #1: Use HDMI Cables that Matches the Resolution

If you have an HDMI splitter setup designed for 4K HDR resolution, the first thing you need to look at is your cables.

There are different HDMI cable types, and although most of them support 4K, not all can offer you the best possible experience.

Some cable types support HDR, faster refresh rates, and higher bandwidth.

However, if you do not use the right cable with your splitter setup and playback devices, you can run into issues like fading and blurry pictures.

Here are the steps you can take to ensure you get the compatible HDMI cable:

1. Check your source device’s resolution output.
2. Know whether it outputs 720p, 1080p, or 4K.
3. If your device outputs 4K, make sure to use HDMI 1.4 or better.

Note: We recommend using an HDMI 2.1 cable if you want to view your favorite content in 4K. 

It offers better quality since it supports 60 FPS refresh rates and higher bandwidth streaming rates. This offers buttery smooth pictures with the highest level of detail possible.

Solution #2: Limit HDMI Cable Length

Connecting multiple HDMI devices to your splitter can cause signal loss. Adding length to the mix can make the problem worse.

One of the reasons you think your HDMI splitter is not working properly is long cables.

The best way to deal with this problem is to shorten your cables. You can do this by keeping these devices close to each other.

If you can’t avoid it, make sure that the cables you are using are as short as possible to limit signal loss.

1. Rearrange your devices to be as close as possible.
2. Use an HDMI Extender.

Note: If your setup requires you to run HDMI cables over 20 feet, consider using an extender. 

An HDMI cable’s reliable length is rated at 50 feet, but you might be experiencing signs of signal loss.

Solution #3: Use HDCP-Compliant HDMI Cables

If you are using your HDMI splitter set up for streaming and gaming with consoles, consider using HDCP-compliant cables. Not all cables are HDCP compliant.

Older ones will not have this feature. However, newer cables should have this feature built-in so you will not have to worry about it.

If your HDMI splitter stops working and your output devices do not detect a signal, this will be one of the more common issues that you will be facing.

There is a good chance that the cables you are using are not HDCP compliant.

Here are the steps you should do if you discover your cables are not compliant:

1. Get reliable HDCP-compliant cables for your splitter setup.
2. Check the wires for tags or stickers that say HDCP compliant.
3. Get an HDMI splitter with an HDCP stripper feature.

Note: You can also check your cable if it’s compliant on hdmi.org.

All you need to do is search for the brand, and they will tell you if you can use it for content that requires HDCP.

Solution #4: Make Sure Your HDMI Splitter has Sufficient Power

There are two types of HDMI splitters that you can get. One is the passive kind which does not need external power, and the other is the powered kind.

If you are connecting several screens on your splitter, it’s essential that you use the one that comes with a power supply.

In addition to being a splitter, it also acts as a repeater or extender so you can be sure that the device can broadcast the content you want to view to connected devices.

However, HDMI splitters do not have the best power supply.

1. Do not use USB-powered HDMI splitters.
2. Do not use a passive HDMI splitter.
3. Get an HDMI splitter with a power supply.

Solution #5: Check Your Devices for Firmware Updates

If none of these troubleshooting steps resolves your HDMI splitter issue, it’s time to consider updating the firmware of your connected device.

Whether you are linking TVs, Blu-Ray players, or game consoles, it’s time to check if any of those need an update.

Manufacturers may release important updates for any of your connected devices. It’s possible that you missed out on them, causing the issues with your splitter.

It’s important that you check all of them to stop guessing.

1. Check your input devices for any software updates.
2. Check your output devices like TVs for any firmware updates.
3. Download and install the updates.
4. See if your HDMI splitter works.

Note: Performing this step should solve most of your HDMI splitter issues, especially if you have followed the best practices to use them.

You can also try switching ports to rule out the possibility that it’s a different device that is causing the issue and not your splitter.

Fixing your HDMI splitter that’s not working is a simple process. You will need to look at your cables and make sure you are using the most current ones running on the latest protocols. Get compatible cables and consider updating the firmware of your connected devices for the best experience.

Read Next: Can You Mount a TV on Plaster Walls?

Last Thoughts

You know you are having trouble with your splitter if you only get audio or video and the picture quality is poor.

Not getting a signal on all your output devices also means a problem with your splitter. A great quality splitter with compatible cables will work.

If you are still asking why is my HDMI splitter not working, as long as you follow these troubleshooting steps, you will be able to resolve it in no time.